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MANCHESTER â Each year, more than 1,000 fragrant peony blooms in Hildeneâs Formal Garden at the Lincoln Familyâs Manchester estate draw visitors from far and wide, when the floral beauties reach their peak during the first two weeks of June.
The garden, designed in 1908 by President Lincolnâs granddaughter, Jessie Lincoln, for her mother, Mary Harlan Lincoln, is a must see year-round, but is particularly popular late spring when the peonies are in bloom.
The pattern is that of a stain glass window; the privet representing the leading, the flowers the glass. As a young woman, Jessie had seen such windows in the cathedrals of Europe as well as the parterre design in gardens she discovered during her travels. Archival documents suggest that Robert Lincoln collaborated with his daughter in bringing the familyâs Vermont garden to life.